Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
Publication Title
Philosophical Analysis
Abstract
In his recent article "Deontic Cycling and the Structure of Commonsense Morality," Tim Willenken argues that commonsense ethics allows for rational agents having both ranked reasons (A > B, B > C, and A > C) and cyclical reasons (A < B, B < C, and A > C). His goal is to show that not all plausible views are variations of consequentialism, as consequentialism requires ranked reasons. I argue instances of apparent deontic cycling in commonsense morality are the byproducts of incomplete characterizations of the cases in question.
Repository Citation
Simkulet, William, "The Deontic Cycling Problem" (2014). Philosophy and Religious Studies Department Faculty Publications. 20.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clphil_facpub/20
Publisher's Statement
This article has been accepted for publication in Philosophical Analysis, Volume 31, 2014, p. 49-64.
